Ram CEO Claims That 1500 Customers Prefer the HEMI V8 Over the Hurricane I6

[RonsSRT1]

From what I'm hearing, the announcement could be as early as February that it's coming to the Ram trucks. The 5.7 Hemi is going to be about $47,000 while the 392 Hemi is going to be about $52,000. So for a few thousand more, you can get the bigger motor so why get the 5.7. I have the 392 in my weekend nice weather only Challenger, I love the engine and never had any problems with it. Power wise, it pushes out 550 horse at the crank and for me that's good enough. If people want that all the time, buy a TRX, do whatever makes you happy. But like I said, it's a pickup truck, not a Charger/Challenger Hellcat. And my Challenger get's 24+ mpg driving normal, 20mpg stomping the pedal.

 

[SD Rebel]

From what I'm hearing, the announcement could be as early as February that it's coming to the Ram trucks. The 5.7 Hemi is going to be about $47,000 while the 392 Hemi is going to be about $52,000. So for a few thousand more, you can get the bigger motor so why get the 5.7. I have the 392 in my weekend nice weather only Challenger, I love the engine and never had any problems with it. Power wise, it pushes out 550 horse at the crank and for me that's good enough. If people want that all the time, buy a TRX, do whatever makes you happy. But like I said, it's a pickup truck, not a Charger/Challenger Hellcat. And my Challenger get's 24+ mpg driving normal, 20mpg stomping the pedal.

That would be cool, the question is which 6.4L do we get? The one from the 2500 or the one from the Charger/Challenger? If it's a volume motor, I think we get the truck one with only 410 hp.

The powerful one, I suspect that would be a 100K special edition in the RAM like it is in the Wrangler.

 

[mikeru82]

From what I'm hearing, the announcement could be as early as February that it's coming to the Ram trucks. The 5.7 Hemi is going to be about $47,000 while the 392 Hemi is going to be about $52,000. So for a few thousand more, you can get the bigger motor so why get the 5.7. I have the 392 in my weekend nice weather only Challenger, I love the engine and never had any problems with it. Power wise, it pushes out 550 horse at the crank and for me that's good enough. If people want that all the time, buy a TRX, do whatever makes you happy. But like I said, it's a pickup truck, not a Charger/Challenger Hellcat. And my Challenger get's 24+ mpg driving normal, 20mpg stomping the pedal.

I’m curious to know where you’re hearing this information?

 

[LOWRMPG]

This really says it all right here "While not as capable as the 3.0-liter Hurricane I6, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is a commercial hit for the half-ton Ram truck." Your buyers are dumb - if they are buying a 'lesser' product intentionally. What does that say about RAM buyers? Coming from F series all my life, if I were still in a Ford and heard this, I'd say RAM buyers sound pretty silly. Given the economic state of Stellantis, I'm not sure creating inferior products, or increasing engine options which increases cost, is a smart move.

 

[silver billet]

That would be cool, the question is which 6.4L do we get? The one from the 2500 or the one from the Charger/Challenger? If it's a volume motor, I think we get the truck one with only 410 hp.

The powerful one, I suspect that would be a 100K special edition in the RAM like it is in the Wrangler.

Why would they give us the BGE? Makes no sense, every other 6.4 is the SRT at 485 hp. The BGE has a different focus, mainly duty cycle at the expense of power output. This would be a less desirable trait in a half ton where the 5.7 is already capable of maxing out power and duty cycle requirements, it's not needed in a 1500, we're not towing nearly that heavy.

My money is on the SRT. I'm less certain about trim though. I wouldn't put it pass them to package it like the wrangler and other 392's as an expensive package, but I'm hopeful they have a bit of brains left and give it to us as a $1000 to $2000 upgrade over the 5.7 in any trim/package we want.

 

[SD Rebel]

This really says it all right here "While not as capable as the 3.0-liter Hurricane I6, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is a commercial hit for the half-ton Ram truck." Your buyers are dumb.

People want what they want. Engines are more than the spec on a piece of paper, yes the Hurricane is more powerful, but how reliable and durable will it actually be? Just ask the Tundra guys who want their V8 back. That being said, it could be great, we just don't know yet.

The Hurricane sounds like a blender, something I don't personally like, even though I'm ordering one soon. I rather have the Hemi, but getting the Hurricane. My reason for getting one is due to circumstances of that purchase more than my interest in the engine.

Maybe I'll end up loving it.

 

[SD Rebel]

Why would they give us the BGE? Makes no sense, every other 6.4 is the SRT at 485 hp. The BGE has a different focus, mainly duty cycle at the expense of power output. This would be a less desirable trait in a half ton where the 5.7 is already capable of maxing out power and duty cycle requirements, it's not needed in a 1500, we're not towing nearly that heavy.

My money is on the SRT. I'm less certain about trim though. I wouldn't put it pass them to package it like the wrangler and other 392's as an expensive package, but I'm hopeful they have a bit of brains left and give it to us as a $1000 to $2000 upgrade over the 5.7 in any trim/package we want.

That makes sense, hopefully you're right, though I suspect they aren't going to be charging that little for an SRT 6.4L in a RAM 1500. But as you mentioned and I said earlier, looking at the Wrangler and Durango with that motor, I just don't see it being a volume moderately priced option for regular 1500s.

My money is they will either give us a volume lower powered version or a high powered limited edition one.

 

[silver billet]

That makes sense, hopefully you're right, though I suspect they aren't going to be charging that little for an SRT 6.4L in a RAM 1500. But as you mentioned and I said earlier, looking at the Wrangler and Durango with that motor, I just don't see it being a volume moderately priced option for regular 1500s.

My money is they will either give us a volume lower powered version or a high powered limited edition one.

All speculation of course... and they might go the limited edition route, but with the TRX, RHO, Tungsten etc out there already, can they really prop up yet another $100k truck?

 

[SD Rebel]

All speculation of course... and they might go the limited edition route, but with the TRX, RHO, Tungsten etc out there already, can they really prop up yet another $100k truck?

It's Stellantis, the same company that released and under baked EV Charger before the gas version that immediately flopped and cost them billions. It wouldn't surprise me what they do.

I would love a truck tuned 6.4L for the regular 1500 at a moderate price, and an SRT 6.4L on the TRX/RHO platform, priced and placed below the RHO I6 H.O.

 

[HSKR R/T]

All speculation of course... and they might go the limited edition route, but with the TRX, RHO, Tungsten etc out there already, can they really prop up yet another $100k truck?

They can't release a 6.4 truck and have it be priced anywhere near the TRX pricing . Max, it shouldn't be more than 70k. And even that is pushing it. If it happens, I hope it will be a RWD factory lowered street truck. They already have multiple off road 4x4 edition trucks. Should be basically a scat pack Ram. Which, when I bought my Built to Serve, there was a Scat Pack Challenger in the show room prices lower than my Built to Serve.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Why would they give us the BGE? Makes no sense, every other 6.4 is the SRT at 485 hp. The BGE has a different focus, mainly duty cycle at the expense of power output. This would be a less desirable trait in a half ton where the 5.7 is already capable of maxing out power and duty cycle requirements, it's not needed in a 1500, we're not towing nearly that heavy.

My money is on the SRT. I'm less certain about trim though. I wouldn't put it pass them to package it like the wrangler and other 392's as an expensive package, but I'm hopeful they have a bit of brains left and give it to us as a $1000 to $2000 upgrade over the 5.7 in any trim/package we want.

Technically 6.4s use the BGE block now.

 

[silver billet]

It's Stellantis, the same company that released and under baked EV Charger before the gas version that immediately flopped and cost them billions. It wouldn't surprise me what they do.

True enough lol. But that was before Tim K was brought back...

 

[1791]

This really says it all right here "While not as capable as the 3.0-liter Hurricane I6, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is a commercial hit for the half-ton Ram truck." Your buyers are dumb - if they are buying a 'lesser' product intentionally. What does that say about RAM buyers? Coming from F series all my life, if I were still in a Ford and heard this, I'd say RAM buyers sound pretty silly. Given the economic state of Stellantis, I'm not sure creating inferior products, or increasing engine options which increases cost, is a smart move.

the way the market has gone is building turbo everything. some of us don't want to be forced to buy a turbo truck. ford still offers the 5.0 and don't force the ecoboost down you throat and for better or worse chevy has the 6.2 and the 5.3 with the i-4 turbo in a full size truck. taking away a naturally aspirated motor and forcing turbo's on RAM owners was a mistake. i don't think the hemi is not a lesser product just another option.

 

[Jupiter58]

If they offer a 6.4 I hope it is a little up powered from the 2500 but even if not I would consider one without etorque over my etorgue 5.7 if it’s not over priced.

 

[RedDevil00]

I completely understand the dedication to tried-and-true products, no matter what it is. However, anytime a manufacturer can build something less expensive and performs better than something that's existed for many years, the writing is on the wall. Many manufacturers have attempted the transition to smaller and turbo engines which perform better than engines they replaced. When quality control goes by the wayside, is when they begin to lose dedicated customers in a short period of time. I purchased my first MOPAR because I can no longer trust the bowtie or Toyota trucks. Thus far, I'm impressed with the SO Hurricane and if I have issues, RAM was willing to stand behind it for 10yrs/100k. Try to get that from any other manufacturer without paying thousands for an extended warranty.

I think everyone should buy what you want! No justification required and enjoy the drive!

True...but, this emissions business has gone way too far and CARB is a Commiefornia concept and NOTHING worth having comes from Cali's AQMD or CARB it's the tail wagging the dog. Remember that the Big 3 had perfected small block V8 that got pretty good mileage. Then Cali came along with the mandatory NOX device the cut fuel mileage almost in half. So where did all of that unburned fuel go?? CARB hasn't had a good idea or agenda since its inception. That said, I believe that if the auto manufacturers were left to their own devices they could perfect the engines with out cylinder deactivation (with all of the valve train failures) and the slip & slide 10 spd transmission that GM & Ford "perfected" together. I can tell you from recent experience Ford's 10 spd trans is junk and the 5.0 Coyote V8 has nothing but trouble with the cam phasers & correct oil weight for those engines. And, once you are out of warranty, well GOOD LUCK is what you'll get from the dealers. That said I've taken a flier on the 2026 5.7 e-torq Hemi, I'm not fond of the e-torq business, but time will tell.

 

[SD Rebel]

True...but, this emissions business has gone way too far and CARB is a Commiefornia concept and NOTHING worth having comes from Cali's AQMD or CARB it's the tail wagging the dog. Remember that the Big 3 had perfected small block V8 that got pretty good mileage. Then Cali came along with the mandatory NOX device the cut fuel mileage almost in half. So where did all of that unburned fuel go?? CARB hasn't had a good idea or agenda since its inception. That said, I believe that if the auto manufacturers were left to their own devices they could perfect the engines with out cylinder deactivation (with all of the valve train failures) and the slip & slide 10 spd transmission that GM & Ford "perfected" together. I can tell you from recent experience Ford's 10 spd trans is junk and the 5.0 Coyote V8 has nothing but trouble with the cam phasers & correct oil weight for those engines. And, once you are out of warranty, well GOOD LUCK is what you'll get from the dealers. That said I've taken a flier on the 2026 5.7 e-torq Hemi, I'm not fond of the e-torq business, but time will tell.

Agreed, too bad CARB is still in the driver's seat no matter what the administration says. Those 17 states that follow CARB make up 50% of new vehicle revenue, so the manufacturers will continue to do what CARB wants, including installing particulate filters in gasoline engines like Ford is doing now and GM & Stellantis will do next year.

 

[ks54701]

Marketing 101 create a demand and then charge more for a product that cost less to make over the standard power plant.

Here left the F150 world of Eco boost engines that started in 16 when leaving GM over bad lifters and no fix. (5.3)

Had (2) 2.7EB, (2) 3.5 EB and a 3.5 EB Power Bust, No turbo issues, no transmission issues. It was my time to trade and didn't like the look of the new Fords and went RAM hunting.

3.0 SO 3.92 gearing trailer tow, Level 1 Laramie. Would have gone Big Horn level 2 if it had a power passenger seat for my spouse.

If doing it again after 1000 miles and 2 months of my style of driving feel with the 3.0 SO that stock 3.55 gearing meets the needs of most of today's pickup truck drivers. 3.92 gearing does liven the 3.0 up just like the 3.73 gears did for last 2.7EB with a 10 speed.

After having turbo engines 2.7EB (.3 under) and 3.5EB (.5 over) the 3.0 starts off like a 2.7EB and delivers like the 3.5EB which also has the 3.55 gearing as stock.

 

[TCP]

Mine is the little 8.4" screen on my poverty spec Rebel. I have been waiting for over 4 months for the new screen to replace my delaminating one under warranty.

Check your state's Lemon Law. The screen is part of the safety components (backup camera) mandated by federal law.

 

[RedDevil00]

They absolutely wanted to get rid of the Hemi for CAFE reason, and it took the literally sacking of their CEO to allow these changes to happen. The sales got so bad, it forced Stellantis to dump Tavares and do an emergency reset.

Tim Kuniskis spent months getting their new electrical architecture to work with the Hemi, it wasn't easy or cheap to make it happen, along with relocating Hemi production to the US as there was no room in Mexico to produce them there anymore.

As for CARB, while the administration has removed their waver and rolled back the EPA, it hasn't changed a thing. The manufacturers already said they aren't going backwards since it will be mired in lawsuits by CARB states for years and can change again in the next few years with a possible change in administration.

So much so that Ford is going to introduce particulate filters (GPFs) on their gas engines for 2026 (GM & Stellantis in 2027) to meet CARB requirements, acting as if the nothing has changed. Why? Because they cannot afford not to sell to the 18 CARB states that make up 40%-50% of new vehicle profit.

Unlikely you will see an non-Etorque Hemi, in fact it will likely get saddled with a GPFs next year. So if you want a new Hemi with least emissions complications, best option is 2026.

I can tell you that CARB (the invention of failed policies in California) is a joke. This is the same agency that MANDATED the NOX device for vehicle way-back in the day. I had a Pontiac Catalina 400 V8 which got consistent 17mpg combo driving (if you kept your foot out of it). As soon as that NOX device was installed the combo driving went from 17 to 12mpg -- a little better on the highway. So where exactly does all that unburned fuel go?? Right into the air. So that's CARB and they have buffaloed people into thinking they are doing the environment good. It's a money grab for politicians because they make the appointments to that useless government agency.

 

[RedDevil00]

I can tell you, in my case I did the research after coming off of a new 2013 F150 5.0 V8 and made a major mistake raplacing it with a 2020 F150 5.0. The '13 was bulletproof and got good mileage. The '20 got just as good mileage but at 35K Ford was in the engine replacing the cam phasers, timing chains and gears. A lot of plastic junk inside that timing case. Then 7K later the same "clunk" started everytime you started the engine cold. I decided to replace the Ford and did exhaustive research. I'll only buy a pickup with a V8; the Chevy & GMC small blocks are nothing but trouble with the valvetrain issues. Ford is not addressing the cam phaser problem & they will keep running you out of the dealership hoping to get you passed the warranty period. I looked into the Ram, but as we know, no 1500 V8 in 2025. When the fired Tavares & brought in the old CEO he brought back the Hemi. I decided to take a flier on the Ram, even with the dreaded e-Torque. The truck runs fine, the 8 spd trans shifts smooth, unlike the slipping and sliding with the Ford 10 spd. I'm getting 17-18mpg and a little higher on the highway. I'm not sold on the cylinder deactivation, but they all have it now unless you step up to the bigger trucks. On thing that was the deciding factor was the 10 year/100K warranty on the drivetrain for the Ram. I probably won't keep the truck that long & hope I don't have to use that warranty, but at least Kuniskis is getting behind his product.